Ramos credits pitchers for his numbers behind plate

WASHINGTON -- Entering Sunday's action against the Cubs, Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos had thrown out 53 percent of would-be basestealers this season. Last year, Ramos threw out 29 percent. What's the reason for the improvement? According to Ramos, it helps that the Nationals' pitchers are quicker to the plate and holding runners a lot better.

"I'm not trying anything. I try to be quick behind the plate, just put the ball in the air and see what happens. That's what I like to do," Ramos said. "The pitchers help us a lot. That's good."

Ramos' bat is also coming around. Since coming off the disabled list on June 26, Ramos was 9-for-26 (.346) in seven games. When he is at the plate, Ramos likes to hit the ball up the middle or go to right field.

"Most of the time, I like to stay to the middle," Ramos said. "Most of the time, the ball goes to right field. I love to go the other way. That's the way I love to hit. I don't like to pull the ball too much."

In Saturday's game against the Cubs, Ramos went 2-for-5 with an RBI. In the third inning, he drove a ball that hit the right-field wall for a single, which scored Ian Desmond. Ramos admitted he thought the ball was gone for a home run, so he stood at home plate and wasn't able to reach second base.

But Ramos learned his lesson, and in the seventh inning he legged out a double, which gave every indication that his right hamstring is fine.

"The leg is going [well]," Ramos said. "Running is getting better. I'm working every day. I feel more strong right now. That's what I want. I go out there and play smart."